{Next Day}
Rain poured relentlessly over the streets. Thunder cracked across the sky.
A news broadcast flickered on a massive screen.
A hooded man stood beneath it, completely soaked by the rain, his face hidden in shadow.
"Breaking News: Kozuki Toya and his allies have successfully taken down Neraxis. His vessel, Noctyre Valen, remains in critical condition but is still alive. The government has declared tomorrow a Victory Day, to be celebrated across the entire country of Sword."
The screen went dark.
The hooded man let out a quiet sigh and turned away, disappearing into the rain.
{Draven Clan — New Head}
Dim light filled the chamber. The faint scent of rain lingered in the air.
Ryu Draven stood at the center, surrounded by members of the Draven Clan.
He spoke calmly, firmly.
"This meeting concerns whether the Judgement of Umbra technique should be declared forbidden."
His gaze hardened.
"Our previous head, Draven Kael, was killed after Neraxis weaponized it."
A murmur spread through the room.
One member spoke up.
"Yes. Absolutely. That technique is far too dangerous. Anyone like Neraxis could exploit it. It should be forbidden—eradicated."
Another added,
"A technique that adapts to anything and everything after repeated failure… it's unnatural."
Silence followed.
Everyone agreed.
Ryu nodded.
"Then it is decided. The Judgement of Umbra is now forbidden by the Draven Clan."
"We will request all other great clans to recognize its danger."
{The Cultists — Hideout}
Witch Lily stepped forward, her expression unreadable.
"The Cultists no longer answer to me," she declared coldly.
"You are all dismissed."
Without another word, she turned and walked away.
{Kozuki Toya — Graveyard}
Rain fell softly over rows of gravestones.
Kozuki Toya stood before one of them.
Seraphine Voss.
His voice was low.
"Seraphine… we won."
He clenched his fists.
"But Yura is nowhere to be found."
"We owe him everything."
His voice trembled.
"I don't understand why he left us behind."
"Even though I didn't spend much time with him… it still hurts."
Tears welled in his eyes.
"He saved all of us."
Toya straightened, taking a slow breath.
"I have to go now."
"Rest well, Seraphine."
Rain continued to fall as he walked away.